Two Children and Two Adults Hurt in Violent Dog Attack on Marbella Seafront

Two children and two adults have been injured in a frightening dog attack on the seafront promenade in San Pedro Alcántara, Marbella. The incident has shocked local families who regularly use the area for walking and cycling.

Attack on the San Pedro promenade

The incident happened early on Monday evening on a busy stretch of promenade, at a time when many families were out enjoying the mild winter weather. A large dog, reportedly without its owner nearby, approached a group made up of two children and the mother of one of them.

Witnesses say the dog suddenly turned aggressive and went for the group, causing panic among people walking and cycling in the area. Some passers-by moved away, while others tried to help as the situation quickly escalated.

Children targeted first

One of the children, a nine-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle, appears to have been the animal’s first target. His companion, an eleven-year-old girl, and her mother were alongside him when the dog lunged towards the boy.

In an attempt to shield him, the adult tried to pull the child out of reach and lift him away, but the animal persisted. During the struggle, the dog is reported to have bitten and scratched several times, leaving visible injuries and tearing clothing.

Passer-by steps in as “hero”

A man who was exercising nearby saw what was happening and ran to intervene. Putting himself between the dog and the family, he tried to grab hold of the animal and drag it away from the children and their mother.

In doing so, he took the brunt of the attack. The man suffered a deep wound to one arm and additional bites and scratches as he tried to control the dog long enough for the victims to move to safety. Local residents have since described him as a hero for his quick reaction and willingness to put himself at risk.

Injuries to the victims

The nine-year-old boy suffered bite wounds and abrasions to his back and legs during the attack. The eleven-year-old girl and her mother sustained bruises, scratches and minor cuts as they struggled with the dog and tried to escape.

The passer-by who intervened received the most serious injury, with a significant gash on his left arm that required stitches. All four victims were attended by emergency services and taken for medical assessment, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Police secure the dog and open investigation

Local Police officers arrived at the scene and were able to secure the dog, preventing any further attacks. The animal was taken under control and removed from the area so that medical teams could treat the victims calmly.

Officers are now checking the dog’s microchip to confirm who its owner is and under what conditions the animal was being kept. Once identified, the owner could face fines or other measures under legislation covering dangerous or potentially dangerous animals, as well as local rules on keeping dogs under control in public spaces.

Concern among local residents

The incident has raised concern among residents and regular promenade users, many of whom walk their own pets or take children to cycle along the seafront. Questions are being asked about how a powerful dog was able to roam without effective control in such a busy, family-focused area.

Neighbours are calling for stricter enforcement of leash laws, better checks on potentially dangerous breeds and tougher sanctions for owners who do not comply with registration and training requirements. For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured victims and recognition for the man whose intervention likely prevented an even worse outcome.